Sure! It depends on what you're trying to do... In any case, you will need to add some hardware at the analog input.

As a simple project to start experimenting with, you can take several level/loudness readings over several seconds and keep a running-average. Then,whenever the level is above average, turn an LED on and whenever it's below average, turn it off. Since the LED is on half the time, that gives you lots of "action", no matter what the volume/signal level.

I've made a system that has 7 lights (actually 7 "channels" with 8 sets of 7 lights each). It does all kinds of sequences and patterns based on the volume/beat, and there's a "VU meter" effect. One of the effects is something like I described above. It sets-up a random pattern and when the signal is louder than average the LEDs toggle (the on-LEDs turn off,and the off-LEDs turn on).

Right now, I'm working on a similar 8-foot tall "VU meter plus" effect with 24 LEDs in the left & right channels.

The hardware issus is that audio signals are AC (the voltage goes positive and negative). But, the Arduino's analog inputs can't go negative, and they can't go above 5V (or the Arduino can be damaged).

The easiest solution is to bias the input (basically add 2.5V to the input by using some resistors). But, I use a peak detector circuit which throws-away the negative half, and holds the positive voltage for a little while (depending on the RC time constant). Then, I add a resistor and a couple of "protection diodes."

Oh... If you bias the input and average and the level, your average will always be equal the the bias (the average of a normal non-biased AC signal is zero, which isn't really useful either). So, if you want to use a moving average as a reference, you'll have to do something in software, like subtract the bias and use the absolute value of yur readings.

Ok...I did not realize this. Thank you for pointing it out, but I did not complete Lake's suggested project...I took your advice and did a little research, then completed the project...Thanks for your help again! (It works)

I've built the VU meter (as the video), and its working if I touch the 3,5mm cable (out of the A0). But if I connect it to the PC or Mobile phone.. the leds are dark, and serial monitor send me only zeros.. (on A0).What is the problem?Thanks

Okay, thank you. My jack-end was the problem. I've sticked down 2 "pieces" of 3 of the jack plug. Now its working good. But now i use only 1 cable of 3, so i havent got any ground. Could it be a problem later?

Now its working good. But now i use only 1 cable of 3, so i havent got any ground. Could it be a problem later?

Yes. The ground from the PC/phone needs to be connected to the Arduino Ground. If it's working without a ground, there may be a ground between the power supplies or somewhere else. For example, if the USB is connected to your PC, you already have a common ground.

The 3.5mm audio jack's 3 conductors are left-signal, right-signal, and ground. You need ground plus either a left or right signal (2 wires) for a mono (1 channel) VU meter. Do NOT connect the left & right audio signals together. (If you want to use both left & right signals, use another analog input on the Arduino for the 2nd channel.)